Forgiveness

A Decision of Your Will

Luke 23:34 (NIV®)

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.…”

It seems impossible that Jesus would forgive the people who were carrying out His death sentence. But that is exactly what He did, and that is the example He left for us. Unforgiveness is a heavy load to carry. It doesn’t seem to bother the person who has transgressed; they usually carry on with few, if any, feelings of guilt. But for the person holding the grudge, it can be a cumbersome burden to bear. You see, unforgiveness carries with it a sense of indebtedness. We feel there was some injury suffered, and as a result, we are owed something—an apology, restoration, payback of some kind. Something must happen before we release this sense that our offender is in our debt. Forgiveness says, “I release you. You don’t owe me anything.” Forgiveness is not an emotion. If you wait until you feel like forgiving, you’ll probably never get there. Forgiveness is a decision of your will. When you decide to forgive, your emotions will catch up with your decision, and you will be able to put down that heavy load.

THINK ABOUT IT

“When you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins” (Mark 11:25, NIV®).

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I forgive everyone for everything, even in the absence of their remorse or apology. Specifically, I forgive _____________. They owe me no debt; I release them. Help me to stand in this forgiveness in all the days ahead. In Jesus’ name, amen.